Flap panel container



D. M. STEGNER Jan. 1o, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ENTOR I NV aug/ass Filed May 17, 1965 Sfegner Jan. 10, 1967 D. M. STEGNER FLAP 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 17, 1965 Doug/ass M. .Segner ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,297,230 I LAP PANEL CONTAINER Douglass M. Stegner, 1301 Covington St., t

' Baitimore, Md; 21230 inea May 17, 196s, ser. No. 456,057

Claims. (Cl. 229-38) ri`his invention relates generally to containers, and is particularly concernedwith containers of the box type having flap panel means adapted to close the same.

While not 'so limited, the invention finds particular utility when employed on corrugated cartons,and accordingly, in this specification, the invention is considered as A inwardly fromoppojsed edges of one pair of side wall I panels to initially close one end of the box, and, then a second pair of end flap panels are folded inwardly over the first pair of end flap panels. All of the end iiap panels are hingedly secured to associated side wall panels with the second pair of end flap panels extending inwardly from side wall panels that are disposed perpendicularly to the side wall panels with which the first pair of end ap panels are hingedly joined. The inner free edges of the first pair of end flap panels define a seam extending in one direction centrally across the end of the box and the inner free edges of the second pair of end flap panels dene a seam extending centrally across the end of the box but perpendicularly to the first seam.

When the side walls are considered as the vertically extending walls of the container, the end ap panel construction described above is normally utilized both at the top end of the container and at the bottom end of the container. Thus, in the conventional carton of the type in question, corresponding top end tiap panels and bottom end flap panels are utilized and folded inwardly as prescribed above to close both the top and bottom -of the container.

When a container is made in such manner, and when the contents of the container completely fill or substantial ly completely fill the container between the top and bottom thereof, there is no particular closing problem. More specifically, assume that the bottom of the container is closed by end flap panels which have been folded inwardly as discussed. The outer face of the rst pair of inwardly folded end fiap panels conventionally would be secured to the inner face of the second pair of inwardly folded end iiap panels, by glue, for example, so that the pairs of end fiap panels are fixed in abutting engagement. Then, again by way of example, the container would be filled with particular items such as cans, gallon jugs, or the like. The articles within the container would traverse the space between the bottom and the top of the container and thus, when the panels in the first pair of end ap panels at the top of the container were folded inwardly, they would be supported in a horizontal position by the articles within the container. Therefore, if adhesive was carried by the upper face of the first pair of inwardly folded top iiap panels, the under face of the second pair of inwarrdly folded top ap panels or both, pressure could be applied to the top ofthe container so as to press the ICC under face of the second pair of inwardly folded top ap panels against the upper face of the first pair of inwardly folded top flap panels whereby the adhesive would secure the respective pairs of panels in engagement-the articles within the container supporting the rst pair of inwardly folded panels in substantially horizontal position whereby the second pair of inwardly folded panels could be pressed into engagement therewith.

The preceding paragraph is not presented as a comprehensive discussion of the manner in which containers of the type in question can be closed. Instead, the discussion is presented by way of example to establish an illustrative foundation for a description of the problem which is faced when one attempts to use such a box for articles which do not completely fill the container. Specifically, consistent with the preceding example, assume that -the container is used'for some group of articles or for some material which does not entirely traverse the space between the ltop and bottom of the container. In this instance, assume again that the bottom wall has been closed lby inwardly folded flap panels, and that one wishes to close the top wall by similar panels. Here, when the first pair of end ap panels for the top wall are folded inwardly, there is no article or material within the container f or supporting the first pair of end fiap panels in horizontal position. The material or article may well be in engagement with the bottom wall, but since it does not traverse the space between the top and bottom walls, the first pair of inwardly folded top ap panels can be moved inwardly past the horizontal position and downwardly between the side walls of the container. Thus, when the second pair of end flap panels are folded inwardly, as conventional, over the first pair of inwardly folded panels for the top wall, the first pair of inwardly folded top flap panels are not supported so as to permit the pressing of the second pair of top ap panels thereagainst. Accordingly, even if an adhesive is applied to the upper face of the rst pair of inwardly folded top flap panels, to the under face of the second pair of inwardly folded top fiap panels or both, the respective mating faces of the first pair of top flap panels and the second pair of top flap panels could not be maintained in pressure contact with one another so as to permit they adhesive to properly take effect.

Bearing in mind the foregoing, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a box of the above prescribed type which includes means for readily permitting a first pair of inwardly folded end fiap panels to be drawn against a second pair of inwardly folded end Hap panels disposed over the first pair, regardless of the degree to which the box is filled with articles or material. Consistent with such primary object of the present invention, it is a specific object hereof to provide such a container wherein the means for permitting the first pair of panels to be drawn against the second pair of panels takes the form of slot and auxiliarly fiap means made as a part of and integrally formed with the respective end liap panels.

A still further significant object of the present invention is to provide such a box construction wherein the slot and auxiliary flap means, as well as the blank for the entire box itself, can be formed by conventional scoring and cutting techniques, and from conventional corrugated stock so that a box constructed in accordance with me invention can be fabricated comparatively inexpensively so as to be available for widespread commercial use.

In addition to the aforesaid objects of the instant invention, it is an auxiliary, but important object hereof to provide such a box construction wherein the-auxiliary ap means not only permit a first pair of end flap panels to be drawn against a second pair of flap panels disposed thereover, but wherein the auxiliary flaps further provide an inspection means for viewing the interior of the container, which inspection means is selectively closable independently of the main closure provided for the container by the respective first and second pairs of end flap panels.

The invention has been found to provide particular advantage when the box constructed in accordance therewith is used in place of a metal drum or so-called fiber drum. Conventionally, drums have previously been used in shipping various items, including dry chemicals, and the like. To this end, with the invention, chemicals can be disposed in an ordinary plastic bag, such as a polyethylene bag, and the bag itself would be disposed within the container hereof. The chemicals or other ingredients within the bag would not fill the container hereof between the top and bottom walls thereof, but still, with the invention, at least one of the end Walls formed by inwardly folded flaps, and not supported by the contents can be easily closed by a first pair of inwardly folded flap panels fixed under a second pair of inwardly folded ap panels. The auxiliary flap panels which permit this result, as discussed above, can either be glued in fixed position with respect to the inwardly folded main flap panels, interlocked with one another, or taped in position, depending upon the use to which the containers were being put and the needs of a particular user. Moreover, the invention is readily adapted to be formed from corrugated stock of the type which has been coated with a waterproof material, as by dipping in a paraffin composition, a synthetic resin composition, or a composition incorporating a combination of wax and resin.

The invention affords a comparatively strong panelclosed container which will withstand relatively severe handling, and resides in the combination therewith of cooperating means for permitting first inwardly folded panel means to be maintained in underlying pressure engagement with an overlying inwardly folded panel means, and in the provision of a blank for a box having such means formed thereon. The invention will be better understood, and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent, when consideration is given to the following detailed description. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings presenting preferred and illustrative embodiments of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a blank which can be utilized to form a box in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of a box formed from the blank of FIGURE l with the bottom end flap panels thereof folded into closed position, and with the top end flap panels thereof in open position;

' FIGURE 3 is an elevational view of the box shown in FIGURE 2, but with a first pair of top end fiap panels folded inwardly;

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the box shown in FIGURE 3 but with the second pair of top end flap panels folded inwardly in overlying relation to the first pair of top end fiap panels;

FIGURE 5 is an elevational view similar to FIGURE 4, but showing one intermediate forming position which can be assumed by the auxiliary flaps provided on the end flap panels when the invention is being utilized;

FIGURE 6 is an elevational view similar to FIGURE 5 but showing one position which can be assumed by the auxiliary fiaps in a final container embodying the invention;

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view, partially broken away, and presenting the bottom of a box such as shown in FIGURES 2 through 6;

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view similar to FIGURES 5 and 6, but showing one manner in which the auxiliary iiaps can be folded outwardly to permit inspection within the container;

FIGURE 9 is an elevational View, partially broken away, and similar to FIGURE 8, but showing another position which can be assumed by the auxiliary liaps during the initial phase of an inspection operation; and,

FIGURE l0 is a fragmental sectional view taken on the line 10-10 of FIGURE 8.

If reference is now made to FIGURE l, it will be noted that the box blank shown therein and generally designated by the numeral Z, comprises first, second, third and fourth successively hingedly joined parallelogram side wall panels 4, 6, 8 and 10. First, second, third and fourth bottom end flap panels 12, 14, 16 and 18 are hingedly secured respectively at their top edges to the bottom edges of the side wall panels 4, 6, 8 and 10. Moreover, first, second, third and fourth top end flap panels 20, 22, 24 and 26 are hingedly secured respectively along their bottom edges to the top edges of the side wall panels 4, 6, 8 and 10.

Each of the panels 20, 22, 24 and 26 has a pair of spaced slots S1182 therein extending from the top edge 28 thereof perpendicularly toward the bottom edge 30 thereof and terminating intermediate the top and bottom edges 28 and 30. Preferably the slots S1 and S2 extend for less than one-half the distance between the respective edges 28 and 30, but in any event, such slots open on the free edge 28.

For convenience, the slots S1 and S2 and the edges 28 and 30 have been specifically designated in FIGURE l for the first top end flap panel 20, but it will be readily appreciated that the description of such slots and edges is equally applicable to the second, third and fourth top end flap panels 22, 24 and 26.

All of the flap panels, both top and bottom, are laterally separated from adjacent flap panels by slots S3 extending perpendicularly to the edges 28 and 30 and entirely between the top and bottom edges of the adjacent fiaps. The length of the slots S3 is to be considered in contrast with the length of the slots S1 and S2. The slots S1 and S2, as noted, do not extend the full length between the edges 28 and 30, whereas the slot S3, between the top end fiap panel 20 and the top end fiap panel 22, does extend the entire length between the edges 28 and 30.

Where, as in the illustrative embodiment presented in the drawings, the ultimate box is to have a square shape, as opposed to a rectangular shape, all of the side wall panels 4, 6, 8 and 10 are equally dimensioned, and all of the top and bottom end fiap panels 12 .through 26 are preferably equally dimensioned. In the event a square shape is not used, however, and for example, a rectangular shape is used, then the side wall panels 4 and 8 would be equally dimensioned and the side wall panels 6 and 10 would be equally dimensioned. Furthermore, the bottom and top end wall panels l2, 16, 20 and 24 would preferably be equally dimensioned and the bottom and top end flap panels 14, 18, 22 and 26 would be equally dimensioned.

In essence, Vthere would be an equal dimensioning of corresponding panels in sections A and C and an equal dimensioning of corresponding panels in sections B and D where each such section includes a top end iiap panel, a side wall panel, and a bottom end fiap panel, but with the rectangular construction, there would be no equal dimensioning, for example, between corresponding panels in sections B and C. This relative dimensioning aspect is well known to those familiar with the art as it permits the most eflicient use of the stock forming the blank. Still, the dimensioning can be varied and the important consideration is that the end flap panel means, when folded inwardly, at least substantially close the top or bottom wall, as the case may be, with which they are associated.

The hinged joints between the respective side wall panels 4, 6, 8 and 10, the respective hinged connections between the bottom end iiap panels 12, 14, 16 and 18 and their associated side wall panel, and the respective hinged connections between the top end ap panels 20, 22, 24 and 26 and their associated side Wall panel are achieved by providing in the blank, conventional fold lines or creases F1 and F2 extending longitudinally across the blank, and conventional fold lines or creases F3-F5 extending laterally on the blank and aligned with respectively opposed slots S3.

Having once formed a blank as described above and shown in FIGURE l, a carton constructed in accordance herewith can easily be assembled. To this end, and also as conventional, the outer free edge 40 of the side wall panel would be hingedly joined to the outer free side edge 42 of the side wall panel 4. This joint can, for example, be made by using tape having an adhesive cooperating between the under surface thereof and the portions of the side wall panels 4 and 10 disposed thereunder. Such a manufacturers joint would appear as shown, for example, in FIGURE 2 wherein the numeral 44 designates the joint. Normally, the joint would be formed by the manufacturer and the blank as supplied would be folded about the fold line F4 with the edges 40 and 42 being hingedly joined, as prescribed.

Regardless of the manner in which the manufacturers joint 44 is applied, and regardless of the time at which it is applied, when the carton is made, respective top and bottom end flap panels are folded inwardly. More particularly, as shown in FIGURE 7, a rst pair of bot-tom end flap panels 14 and 18 are folded inwardly. Then, a second pair of bottom end flap panels 12 and 16 are folded inwardly inoverlying relation to the first pair of end flap panels. The outer face of the first pair of end flap panels 14 and 18 carry an adhesive Si) thereon, e.g., casein or other suitable adhesive, and this adhesive serves to maintain the first pair of panels 14 and 18 fixed to the second pair of panels 12 and 16 folded thereover. It is quite simple to force the first pair of panels 14 and 18 under pressure against the second pair of panels 12 and 16 since the other end, or top end of the container would be open at this time.

The step of closing the bottom end of the container has been presented initially to simplify the instant description. However, it is to be understood that closing of the bottom end of the container need not be Vthe initial step.

Regardless of the manner in which the bottom end ap panels are to be closed, and regardless of the construction thereof, the invention is described particularly in connection with the top end flap panels as shown in the boxes presented in the annexed drawings. Thus, attention is now directed to the construction of the top flap panels and the manner in which the top of the container is closed thereby.

If reference is again made to FIGURE l, it will be noted that the slots S1 and S2 are spaced inwardly of the side edges 27 and 29 of the top flap panel 20. The same condition exists for the slots S1 and S2 in each of the other top ap panels, and thus, the description is specifically directed only to the flap panel 20. The slots S1 and S2, in addition to being spaced inwardly from the side edges 27 and 29 of the flap panel are located centrally of the flap panel 20, i.e., they are centrally positioned between the side edges 27 and 29. The slots S1 and S2 in each of the flap panels 12-26 are, moreover, equally spaced apart.

Between each pair of slots S1 and S2 in each ap panel 12-26 there exists a section A, which, as explained more fully below, serves as an auxiliary flap. The auxiliary flap is, in each instance, designated by the associated end ap panel number plus the letter Ai.e., the auxiliary ap A is on the end flap panel 29, the auxiliary flap 22A is on the end ap panel 22, etc.

Bearing in mind the auxiliary flap-slot arrangement, reference can now be made to FIGURES 3, 4 and 8 for an understanding of the top folding operations. Referring rst to FIGURES 3 and 4, the general folding of the main top end ap panels can be easily understood. A first pair of top end ap panels 22 and 26 are initially folded inwardly as shown in FIGURE 3. This folding operation would be in accordance with conventional practice, and if the conventional folding proceeds, the end flap panels 2l) and 24, or the second pair of top end flap panels, are then folded inwardly over the first pair of top end ap panels 26 and 22. The resulting construction appears as shown in FIGURE 4. The second pair of inwardly folded top end flap panels 20 and 24 have the auxiliary flaps 20a and 24a carried thereon between respective slots S1 and S2 therein. Thus, when the top end flap panels 2) and 24 are folded as shown in FIGURE 4, the auxiliary flaps 20a and 24a can be folded upwardly and, if desired, outwardly, for example, to the positions shown in FIGURE 8. Upward folding of the aps 20a and 24a from the position thereof shown in FIGURE 4, exposes underlying auxiliary flaps 22a and 26a carried respectively between the slots S1 and S2 in the respective panels 22 and 26. Accordingly, the flaps 22a and 26a then can also be folded upwardly and outwardly, for example, to the position thereof shown in FIGURE 8.

Alternative to the above sequence, but still consistent with the invention, when the rst pair of end ap panels 22 and 26 are folded inwardly, as shown in FIGURE 3, the auxiliary flaps panels 22a and 26a can be either previously, simultaneously, thereafter initially folded upwardly to the position thereof shown in FIGURE 5. Then, the second pair of top end flap panels 20 and 24 can be folded inwardly. The slots S1 and S2, according to this folding sequence, slide downwardly with inward folding of their associated panel, and receive respective end portions of the auxiliary flaps 26a and 22a therein. When the second pair of inwardly folded top flap panels 2() and 26 reach their ultimate position, they are` horizontally disposed and the auxiliary flaps 26a and 22a extend through respectively aligned elongated slots SI-Sl and S2-S2 on the panels 20 and 24. The unit appears basically as shown in FIGURE S with the auxiliary flaps 20:1 and 24a horizontally disposed and with the auxiliary aps 22a and 24a horizontally disposed and the auxiliary flaps 22a and 26a vertically disposed. If now the auxiliary flaps 22a and 26a are folded outwardly toward the respective side wall panels 10 and 6, such auxiliary flaps 26a and 22a overlie parts of the respective inwardly folded second pair of top end ap panels 20 and 24, as shown in FIGURE 8.

The advantage of such arrangement, which results from both of the folding sequences described above, can be better understood by reference to FIGURE l0 which is a fragmental sectional view taken on the line 1 0-10 of FIGURE 8. As shown in FIGURE l0, the auxiliary flap 26a is folded rearwardly over the upper inwardly folded end flap panel 24. The main body of the inwardly folded end flap panel 26 underlies the main body of the inwardly folded end ap panel 24, and thus the auxili iary panel 26 essentially sandwiches a portion of the end flap panel 24 between the main body of the end ap panel 26 and the auxiliary flap 26a. Similarly, the auxiliary flap 22a serves to sandwich a portion of the end ap panel 24 between the main body of the end flap panel 22 and the auxiliary ap 22a.

With such arrangement, when the auxiliary flap panels 26a and 22a are pushed downwardly as shown in FIG URE l0, they essentially draw the underlying inwardly folded first pair of flap panels 22 and 26 adjacent and in underlying abutting engagement with the second pair of inwardly folded end ap panels 20 and 24. When an adhesive, such as the adhesive 50 shown in FIGURE 3 is placed, for example, on the top side of the inwardly folded first pair of end flap panels 22 and 26, and when the auxiliary flap panels 26a and 22a are folded rearwardly as shown in FIGURES 8 and l0, the underlying rst pair of inwardly folded flap panels are drawn into pressure contact against the underside of the overlying second pair of inwardly folded end flap panels so that 7 the adhesive can set and fix such flap panels together. From FIGURE 10, it will be apparent that this desired engagement is achieved independently of the contents of the container and notwithstanding the fact that the other end of the container, for example, has already been sealed.

Again referring to FIGURE 2, it will be noted that a bag 6i), preferably of polyethylene and containing, for example, chemicals, is disposed within the container. This bag does not completely fill the container and there is a substantial space, i.e., space 62 above the bag 60. Thus, when as shown in FIGURE 3, the first pair of top end flap panels 22 and 25 are folded inwardly, there are n0 container contents thereunder to maintain such panel in horizontal position. Of course, the panels can be moved to horizontal position, but they are not there supported. Thus, when the overlying second pair of top end flap panels and 24 are folded thereover, absent the invention, there is no way to maintain the underlying first pair of fiap panels 22 and 26 in pressure engagement with the overlying second pair of flap panels 20 and 24.

At the time of the folding operation referred to immediately above, the auxiliary flaps 20a and 24a can remain in their horizontal initial position as shown in FIG- URE 9. In this instance, even if the auxiliary fiaps 22a and 26a are folded outwardly as shown in FIGURE 8 and secured in such position, then for example, the auxiliary aps could still be folded inwardly and a piece of tape carrying adhesive thereon can be placed over the seam between the central free facing edges of the flaps 20a and 24a.

Alternatively to the above, the auxiliary flaps 22a and 25a can be folded inwardly toward one 'another assuming an ultimate position as shown in FIGURE 6. In this instance, the auxiliary fiaps 22a and 26a would overlie the auxiliary flaps 20a and 24a, but even here, the ,overlying fiap relation is sufiicient to raise the main body of the underlying first pair of inwardly folded end fiap panels into abutting pressure engagement with the overlying second pair of inwardly folded end fiap panels. In this instance, if desired, and by way of example, the top surface of the auxiliary fiaps 20a and 24a can be coated with adhesive, or alternatively the under surface of the flaps 22a and 26a can be coated with adhesive so that the carton is sealed completely across its top.

An even further alternative to the above contemplates using a tape carrying an adhesive, cement or the like thereon. In such instance, a tape such as that designated by the numeral 70 in FIGURE 6 can be run transversely across the flaps 22a and 26a and secured in position to maintain such flaps closed.

Regardless of the particular technique used to close the auxiliary flaps or fix the same in position, the container formed in `accordance with the iabove readily permits inspection to the interior thereof. For example, when the flaps 26a and 22a are folded outwardly as shown in FIG- URE 8, then the flaps 20a and 24a can be folded outwardly, as desired, to permit inspection within the container. If the arrangement shown in FIGURE 6 is utilized, then the tape 70 is merely severed whereupon the flaps 22a and 26a are folded upwardly with the flaps 20a and 24a then being folded upwardly thereafter. Again, one can easily view the interior of the container. Still further, if desired, when the auxiliary flaps are opened, contents can be 4emptied from the container through the opening provided by the auxiliary fiaps, and such fiaps can then easily be :sealed closed again.

Of course, it will be appreciated that even further, the auxiliary fiaps can be closed by folding in the conventional interlocking fashion wherein successive end portions thereof respectively overlie and underlie adjaclelit auxiliary flap portions.

Notwithstanding the opening of the carton permitted for inspection or emptying the contents therefrom, it will be noted that the major portion of the top wall of the container remains closed with the major portion of the inwardly folded end fiap panels being fixed in desired position, or with at least a substantial portion thereof being fixed in closed position in any event, whereby entry to the cartons and inspection thereof are achieved through the auxiliary flaps rather than through the primary end fiap panels.

It has been found that a carton constructed in accordance herewith can withstand normal loads and handling techniques, and is extremely effective in handling materials such as chemicals. Preferably, -as indicated above, the box is formed from corrugated stock and in particular. double face corrugated stock. Such stock, as well known, and as shown in FIGURE 7, includes an outer facing layer 100, an inner facing layer 102 and a rufiled layer 164 sandwiched therebetween and fixed to the respective outer and inner layers and 102. Such stock, moreover, in accordance with the preferred embodiment hereof, is coated with a suitable waterproof material. Such waterproof material can well comprise parain wax, synthetic resins, and combinations thereof. The coating is preferably applied by a dipping process, well known to those skilled in the art, whereby both the inside of the ultimate box and the outside of the ultimate box have the coating thereon.

Having now described the invention in considerable detail, it will be appreciated that the objects set forth at the outset of the present specification have been successfully achieved.

Accordingly, what I claim is:

1. A parallelogram box comprising a bottom wall, side walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall, and a top wall including a first pair of flap panels hingedly joined to a first pair of opposed top edges 'of said side walls and adapted to be folded inwardly parallel to said bottom wall, and a second pair of flap panels hingedly joined to a second pair of opposed top edges of said side walls extending perpendicularly to said first pair of opposed top edges and adapted to be folded inwardly over said first pair of fiap panels, adhesive means disposed between said first pair of flap panels and said second pair of flap panels for securing the top faces of said first pair of flap panels to the bottom faces of said second pair of flap panels, and flap members formed integrally with said ap panels in said first pair, said tiap panels in said second pair having slots therein, said fiap members extending through said slots and being secured above said first pair of flap panels.

2. A box as defined in claim 1 wherein said flap members are folded outwardly in overlying relation to the flap panels in both said first and second pairs of fiap panels.

3. A box as defined in claim 1 and further including flap members formed integrally with said flap panels in said second pair, all of said flap members being foldable to provide openings in said respective pairs of fiap panels, said flap members formed integrally with said flap panels in said first pair overlying said flap panels formed integrally with said second pair.

4. A box as defined in claim 1 wherein said bottom wall, said side walls and said top wall are corrugated paper stock coated with a waterproof material.

5. A box blank comprising first, second, third and fourth successively hingedly joined parallelogram side wall panels, first, second, third and fourth bottom end fiap panels hingedly secured respectively at their top edges to the bottom edges of said Ifirst, second, third and fourth side wall panels, and rst, second, third and fourth top end flap panels hingedly secured respectively along their bottom edges to the top edges of said rst, second, third and fourth side wall panels, each of said first, second, third and fourth top end fiap panels having a pair of spaced slots therein extending from the top edge thereof perpendicularly toward the bottom edge thereof and terminating intermediate said top and bottom edges thereof,

all said lHap panels being laterally separated from adjacent aps by slots extending perpendicularly to said edges entirely between the top and bottom edges of the adjacent flaps, a manufacturers joint between the edge of said rst side Wall panel opposite the hinge connection thereof with said second side wall panel and the edge of said fourth side wall panel opposite the hinge connection thereof with said third side wall panel, the slots in each of said top end panels being equally spaced apart, and

References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Osborn 229-38 Knobelock 229-39 Schindler 229-17 Hodge 229-17 Etna et al. 229--38 Bergstein 229-38 each pair of slots being centered on each top flap panel. 10 GEORGE O. RALSTON, Primary Examiner. 

1. A PARALLELOGRAM BOX COMPRISING A BOTTOM WALL, SIDE WALLS EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM SAID BOTTOM WALL, AND A TOP WALL INCLUDING A FIRST PAIR OF FLAP PANELS HINGEDLY JOINED TO A FIRST PAIR OF OPPOSED TOP EDGES OF SAID SIDE WALLS AND ADAPTED TO BE FOLDED INWARDLY PARALLEL TO SAID BOTTOM WALL, AND A SECOND PAIR OF FLAP PANELS HINGEDLY JOINED TO A SECOND PAIR OF OPPOSED TOP EDGES OF SAID SIDE WALLS EXTENDING PERPENDICULARLY TO SAID FIRST PAIR OF OPPOSED TOP EDGES AND ADAPTED TO BE FOLDED INWARDLY OVER SAID FIRST PAIR OF FLAP PANELS, ADHESIVE MEANS DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID FIRST PAIR OF FLAP PANELS AND SAID SECOND PAIR OF FLAP PANELS FOR SECURING THE TOP FACES OF SAID FIRST PAIR OF FLAP PANELS TO THE BOTTOM FACES OF SAID SECOND PAIR OF FLAP PANELS, AND FLAP MEMBERS FORMED INTEGRALLY WITH SAID FLAP PANELS IN SAID FIRST PAIR, SAID FLAP PANELS IN SAID SECOND PAIR HAVING SLOTS THEREIN, SAID FLAP MEMBERS EXTENDING THROUGH SAID SLOTS AND BEING SECURED ABOVE SAID FIRST PAIR OF FLAP PANELS. 